Bratislava, Slovakia

I totally didn't plan to go beyond Vienna, but there it sat on the map, just over the Danube and about an hour away.  Slovakia.  So, I just  h a d  to go!

I've always been fascinated by eastern Europe.  These places were once very rich and well-to-do under the Hapsburg monarch of Austria-Hungary.  Then World War II hit and the Communists ruled over them for over 40 years and drove them into the ground.  They have never really recovered like western Europe has.

So going there takes only an hour from here, but is like going back 50 years in time, in many ways!  Things haven't changed much, except in some places and, yes, they do have newer cars.  So, for a history buff like myself, it is amazing to go to these places.

Then there is the old town center, that is not really medieval, but is well preserved from the 1800s.  A great little place!

Oh, yes ... I'm taking a poll:  I was in Czechoslovakia years ago.  Since then it has been split into the Czech Republic (or Czeska) and Slovakia.  I have now been to both of those.  So ... have I been to ONE country?  Two countries?  Or three countries?  I can't decide!

My voltage adapter blew last night! I was wondering what the smoky smell was. Then, pop! And lots of smoke.

But -- I tried plugging my computer in the wall without it (after looking it up on the Internet) and it works! I don't need the converter for it--just the special plug to fit the European plugs.  The computers these days are built to sense the different voltage.  

A happy guy who got on the subway leaving Vienna, played a tune and then asked for contributions.  Most people gave!

The Blue Danube.

Coming into the Bratislava train station.

Coke in any language ...

Changing of the guard at the presidential palace.

Old Town

Entrance to the church crypt, in a medieval church.  Looking down through an opening in the floor.

The old castle/fortress on the hill.

How they sell bread in the East.

Speaking of Coke.  They have some sort of promotion going on now in Europe where they put lots of different names and titles on the bottles.  I saw them in Germany but had to go to Slovakia to find this name.  Cultures sure do differ!

I love hearing the language spoken.  I got in on a tour for a few minutes (but couldn't understand a work of it.